Wollombi to host folk festival

The Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club will hold its fourth annual Folk Festival at Wollombi September 9-11. Starting on Friday night at 8, the festival will run through to Sunday afternoon.

Spokesperson for the club Marie Phillips said, “Wollombi has again offered to host the folk festival, and with the district's rich history of Koori culture and European settlement, it provides an idyllic setting for this weekend of alternative entertainment”.

This year Newcastle local folk artists performing include Brad & Kerry Tate, Firewheel and, on Saturday night, Newcastle's folk music heroes Sligo Maid.

During the weekend all aspects of folk music, stories and dance plus workshops can be seen and heard. Performers come from all over NSW as well as some from Victoria and Queensland.

“To give you an idea of the diversity of folk talent offered at the festival this year”, Phillips said, “we have national artist Alistair Hulett performing songs on working life and a mix of traditional Celtic music.

“Phillip Day from Melbourne will present his workshop called 'Who Are the Witches: An Introduction to Sacred Psychology', as well as a concert of contemporary Australian songs.

“Master Shakuhachi, Andrew MacGregor will introduce you to the musical qualities of the traditional bamboo flute from Japan. And there will be lots more yarn spinning, poetry, puppets and lots of music and dance.”

Well-known Wollombi groups Goat Band and Loose Petticoats will take the stage again this year. And the group that everyone wants to hear again, traditional and a cappella singers Taliesin will be back for late night performances.

The weekend combines with the Laguna Arts Festival, which is also an annual event, filled with the works of artists from the surrounding area.

The festival has full facilities available, and camping is free. For more information, call Marie Phillips on (049) 676 130.

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